Hearts and Harvest by Amber Stockton

Author:Amber Stockton
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: romance, Christian, Fiction
ISBN: 9781628360912
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Published: 2013-05-01T04:21:13.910000+00:00

NINE

“Where are we headed first?”

William walked alongside his father on a Sunday afternoon a week later as they ventured into some of the more affluent areas of the city. Even though they both had taken great care with their grooming that morning and wore some of their better Sunday clothing, he still felt shabby and insignificant. It didn’t matter that they might look the part. Inside he didn’t feel it.

His father looked down at a piece of paper where he’d scribbled some names and addresses. “We’ll pay a visit to Amos Shepherd.”

“Are you sure these men won’t mind us barging in like this? I mean, we didn’t exactly notify them in advance that we’d be coming. There was a time when we’d leave a calling card first.”

Father sighed. “Yes, I know. However, we don’t have the luxury of planning ahead like we once did. We have no other choice but to seize the opportunities as they arise. And that means today.”

William wasn’t quite sure he could grab hold of the same determination or zeal his father had managed to find, but he’d do his best. It couldn’t be easy for a man like Father to resort to this. They were asking for special favors, plain and simple. A dozen scenarios played out in his head about how they’d be received by those who had once openly welcomed them into their homes. He only hoped the worst of them wouldn’t come true today.

Walking up the six steps to the front door of the Shepherd home, William noted that the windowpanes lacked their former decor. It appeared as if Amos and his family might have been affected as well.

A moment or two after Father knocked, the latch clicked and the door swung open.

“Good afternoon,” the butler said in a formal tone, eyeing them both from head to toe with disdain in his eyes. “How may I help you?”

They still were able to afford their butler? Perhaps they weren’t as affected as William had thought.

“We are here to see Mr. Shepherd,” Father replied. “You may tell him that Daniel and William Berringer have come to call.”

A barely perceptible nod on an almost emotionless face was the only sign that the man had even heard them. He stepped back to allow them entrance.

“You may wait in the sitting room,” the man instructed as he closed the door behind them. “I shall inform Mr. Shepherd immediately.”

William and his father made their way into the front room and took a seat in opposite chairs facing the windows. They had a clear view of the doorway so they’d know when Amos appeared. Two minutes later, the sound of shoes clicking on the hardwood floor in the entry preceded Mr. Shepherd’s arrival.

“Daniel!” Amos stepped into the room, aided by a polished beech wood cane with a brass handle. His slicked back, silver-lined hair and tailored suit made him appear every bit the dapper gentleman. “I must admit, your presence this afternoon is quite a surprise.”

William didn’t like the forced jovial sound to the man’s voice, nor the reserved smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

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